Why Are Speeding Fines Increasing in the UK?
Speeding fines have become one of the most common motoring offences in the UK, with millions of fines issued every year. According to the Department for Transport, 203,801 drivers were caught speeding in 2023, representing an increase of 85% since 2011. But why are the numbers so much higher now?
One reason for the increase in speeding fines is the digitalization of roads. With an increasing number of roadside devices and cameras to check speed, it has become easier for authorities to catch offenders. Average speed contraflows on smart motorways, which use artificial intelligence cameras, have also contributed to the rise in fines. These cameras are able to monitor drivers’ speed over a longer distance, making it harder for them to escape detection.
Another factor is the mindset of some drivers. In 2023, 39% of drivers caught speeding claimed they were “driving according to the speed of other road users.” This excuse is not valid and will not help drivers avoid penalties. It is essential for all motorists to understand the importance of sticking to the speed limit and the consequences they could face if caught speeding.
What You Should Know About Speeding Fines
A speeding fine is issued when a driver exceeds the speed limit. In 2022 alone, over one million speeding fines were issued in the UK. If you are caught breaking the speed limit, whether by a speed camera or a police officer, you will receive a fixed penalty notice. If stopped directly by the police, they may issue a verbal warning or a fixed penalty notice on the spot.
Speed limits vary depending on the type of road. Built-up areas generally have a speed limit of 30mph, while single carriageways can have a limit of up to 60mph. The national speed limit on motorways is 70mph, but it is important to remember that the speed limit is the maximum and may not always be safe to drive at in all conditions.
Certain vehicles, such as motorhomes weighing more than three tonnes, have specific speed limits. They are restricted to 50mph nationally or 60mph on motorways. To avoid going over the speed limit, many modern cars are equipped with a built-in speed limiter function that can be easily activated.
If you receive a fixed penalty notice for speeding, you have the option to plead guilty or not guilty. Each decision triggers its own process, and it is important to understand the implications of both options.
How Will I Know if I’ve Been Caught Speeding?
If you have been caught speeding with a hand-held device or a camera installed in a police car, you may not immediately notice. However, you might be asked to stop at that moment. Speed cameras often use a strong flash to capture a driver’s number plate, which is easily noticeable even in daylight. Within 14 days of the offence, the registered keeper of the vehicle will receive a notice of intended prosecution (NIP) and a section 172 notice by post. The section 172 notice must be returned within 28 days, providing details of the driver who committed the offence. Subsequently, a fixed penalty notice (FPN) will be issued to the driver, or in more serious cases, a court summons may be issued.
How Much is a Speeding Fine and How Many Points Will I Get?
If caught speeding, you will be issued a minimum penalty of £100 and three points will be added to your licence. Accumulating 12 points will result in a driving ban. However, if you have held a full driving licence for less than two years, reaching six or more penalty points will result in the revocation of your licence.
In some cases, drivers may be offered the option to attend a speed awareness course instead of receiving a fine and points on their licence. However, these courses are not free and can cost a similar amount to the initial speeding fine. It is important to note that speed awareness courses are typically offered for minor transgressions, and it is up to the police to decide if a driver is eligible.
Understanding the Cost of Speeding Fines
Speeding fines in the UK are categorized into three bands: Band A, Band B, and Band C, with Band C being the most severe. The specific band and the corresponding fine are determined by the speed at which a driver was travelling over the posted limit, as well as a percentage of their weekly income. The maximum fine for speeding is £1,000, or £2,500 if caught on a motorway.
Can I Plead Not Guilty to My Speeding Offence?
If you believe you were not speeding and have been issued a fine, you have the option to plead not guilty. However, this decision can lead to a more complex legal process, potentially involving a court appearance. If you lose your case, you may face increased fines and additional penalty points. It is important to note that fines may be reduced if a driver is deemed to be of “good character,” and the court may consider circumstances such as speeding for a genuine emergency.
How Many Points Do I Need Before I Lose My Licence?
Even less serious speeding offences can result in a driving ban. If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points within three years, which could be the result of four minimum fine/points offences, you could face a six-month ban. A ban of 56 days or more requires the driver to apply for a new licence, potentially requiring them to retake their driving test.
How Will Speeding Penalties Affect My Car Insurance?
Insurance companies generally consider drivers with penalty points, including those for speeding, to be a higher risk. As a result, they are likely to impose higher premiums. While penalty points for speeding are valid for three years in terms of totting up endorsements and potential bans, they remain visible on your licence for four years. When searching for new insurance quotes, it is crucial to be honest about any motoring offences in the past five years. Withholding information could affect future claims.
Noteworthy Speeding Fines in the UK
The UK has seen some notable speeding fines over the years. In 1886, Walter Arnold received the world’s first speeding fine for driving at four times the national speed limit of 2mph in Paddock Wood, Kent. He was also reprimanded for not having a red flag waver walking in front of him.
In 2015, the UK’s fastest speeder was caught driving at 192mph in a Nissan GTR. This resulted in a 28-month custodial sentence and a 10-year driving ban. In another instance, an off-duty policeman was caught driving at 159mph on the M54 in his unmarked Vauxhall Vectra.
Different countries have their own unique fines for speeding. In Switzerland, a driver was fined £180,000 for driving at 85mph in a 50mph zone with a Ferrari Testarossa. Swiss fines are based on the driver’s financial worth. In another case, a Swiss millionaire received a fine of £727,166 for driving at 180mph in his Mercedes-AMG SLS, setting a new world record for the highest speeding fine.
Conclusion
Speeding fines in the UK are on the rise due to the increasing digitalization of roads and the use of advanced camera technology. It is crucial for drivers to adhere to speed limits and understand the consequences they may face if caught speeding. Speeding fines can result in penalties such as fines, points on your licence, and even driving bans. It is important to be aware of the options available when issued with a speeding fine, such as attending a speed awareness course. Insurance companies view drivers with penalty points as higher risk, which may lead to higher premiums. By understanding the implications of speeding fines and driving responsibly, motorists can help keep the roads safer for everyone.